arena.png
Photo by the Town of Bracebridge:

New Bracebridge arena open to the public Aug. 23

From the Town of Bracebridge:

The Town of Bracebridge will take occupancy of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre soon and is preparing to welcome the public to experience this generational facility.

Operational Opening
Beginning August 6, the Muskoka Lumber Arena will open to existing rentals only. The facility will have achieved substantial completion and is safe for use, however, the contractor will still be present to complete construction work on-site. The facility will not be open to the public during this time.

Public Opening
Beginning August 23, the community is invited to celebrate the public opening of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. From August 23 to early October, community members will have the opportunity to experience try-it activities, free programming, facility tours and more, leading up to an official Grand Opening.

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3 Comments

  1. Dale McQuillan says:

    Maybe a greater responsibility for the higher costs should be considered that preengineering of the location. Water issues should not have come during the construction.
    Know we have this beautiful facility lets make sure it is used to its FULL potential. For educating and competion in a fair environment. Maximize both facilities to the maximum potential.

  2. Jack Lord says:

    The arena was supposed to cost the Town of Bracebridge $16 million. It’s now going to cost in excess of $100 million when all the cost overruns, lack of federal funding and interest payments for 25 years are factored in.

    Those responsible including the current MPP and Mayor and town senior staff should face consequences for this financial nightmare. Bracebridge is now hamstrung to pay for essential needs and services.

  3. Mac Redden says:

    The new arena is a financial disaster.
    Aided and abetted by the District, of course.
    Drunken sailors are thriftier.
    “the project was costing $40 million!! more than initially anticipated.”
    $58 million vs $18 million.
    For some ugly boxes.  

    In Renfrew those involved with a similar debacle were asked to resign.
    “Council calls for Renfrew mayor to resign over project mismanagement”

    When expected federal and provincial funding didn’t come through did Bracebridge cancel or scale back the project and the cost? 
    Nope.
    Just borrow FAR more. 
    Using the District’s access to huge loans at high interest rates. 

    “The loans required will make Bracebridge one of Ontario’s top indebted communities.”
    Cost is 3X+ expected for Bracebridge taxpayers.
    A disaster.

    For $10 million LESS than Bracebridge taxpayers are now burdened with, King township is completing a state-of-the-art, carbon neutral, fully accessible recreation complex with TWO!! NHL-sized ice surfaces, a six-lane 25-metre lap pool, a leisure pool, a multi-purpose athletic fieldhouse, and a multi-purpose community room.
    Total $86 million minus $38.7 million funded from the feds and the province or just $47.3 million for taxpayers.
    $10 million LESS.
    king ca/townshipwiderecreationcentre

    Some areas know how to get funding and value for money.
    Bracebridge is not one of them.